You know how comfortably you go on as a bachelor, and how very much you would dislike to be tied to a wife’s apron-strings.”He laughed a little ruefully, but denied it. “I shouldn’t dislike being tied to your apron-strings.

My house seems remarkably full of people," he observed. "Is it possible we were expected.

I comfort myself with the reflection that your wife will possibly be able to curb your desire--I admit, a natural one for the most part--to exterminate your fellows.

If it comes to that," retorted Frederica, with spirit, " I am continually shocked by the things you don't scruple to say to me,cousin! You are quite abominable!"He sighed. "Alas, I know it! The reflection gives me sleepless nights.

Those fine eyes of hers had a disconcertingly direct gaze, and very often twinkled in a manner disturbing to male egotism. She had common-sense too, and what man wanted the plainly matter-of-fact, when he could enjoy instead Sophia's delicious folly?

Queer creatures, females," mused Mr. Standen, shaking his head. "Fellow's only got to be a rake to have 'em all dangling after him. Silly, really, because it stands to reason---- Well never mind that!

It is possible,” said Miss Marling stiffly, “that Frederick and not Mary will have the ordering of the journey.”Vidal chuckled. “Not if I know my Mary,” he replied

Long before the season ended - if not before it start! - Damerel would be heaven knows where, strewing rose-leaves about for some abandoned male to tread on! Well, one thing at least I'm determined on! if he *must* indulge in such wasteful habits he shall strew his rose-leaves for me to tread upon, not one of his ridiculous Paphians!

But if Frederica was aware of my sentiments, and begged Cousin Alverstoke to intervene—!” She shuddered, and clasped her hands tensely together. “You see, he could, Harry! He could arrange for Endymion to be sent abroad, for instance, and then I think I should die. Oh, my dear brother, there’s no one to help us but you, and I count on your support!